An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

The "Wealth of Nations" is a treasured classic of political economy. Adam Smith had the book published in 1776 and wrote the book to influence a special audience -- The British Parliament. The message was that economic exploitation, through the monopoly trade of empire, stifled wealth-creation in both home and foreign lands. Moreover, protectionism preserbed the status quo, and privileged a few elites at the expense of long run growth.